How to help in an emergency
Donate today to help us reach people with urgent support as quickly as possible in times of crisis.
A prayer for use after an earthquake has hit, praying for all those who are affected.
Donate today to help us reach people with urgent support as quickly as possible in times of crisis.
A prayer for use after an earthquake has hit, praying for all those who are affected.
Damaged church buildings in Colombia after the earthquake
On 10 August 2026, a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, with its epicentre near the village San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó.
The earthquake was felt across much of central and western Colombia and has been followed by hundreds of aftershocks. Further tremors were recorded in Chocó on 16 August. Forest fires in some areas and significant rain leading to flooding in others are adding to the challenges facing communities and emergency teams. The ongoing armed conflict is also forcing people to flee their homes, adding further pressure on communities already facing multiple challenges.
More than 153,300 households have been affected, many of the some of the poorest and most vulnerable people, especially in the Pacific region which is mainly inhabited by Afro-descendant and Indigenous communities. Critical infrastructure such as water and sanitation, as well as schools and health centres has been damaged or completely destroyed. Across 15 out of the 32 departments in Colombia 448 municipalities have reported impacts, with Valle del Cauca, Chocó, Caldas and Risaralda among the areas most severely affected.
The scale of the emergency is significant. Hundreds of people have lost their lives; around 3,000 have been injured and hundreds more remain missing. Many families are facing damaged homes and are in need of urgent support.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, CAFOD has pledged £100,000 from our emergency fund to our partners in Colombia, so they can help our neighbours affected by this earthquake.
We work with trusted local partners in Colombia who are supporting communities through the immediate crisis and into recovery. They are providing essential items such as shelter, food, clean water and hygiene supplies, helping restore vital services such as schools, water and sanitation, and working with communities to plan for the future.
To help us support our neighbours in Colombia and around the world, and respond immediately when a crisis strikes, please donate to support our emergency work.
More than 282,700 people and 153,300 households have been affected by the earthquake.
329 people have died, 247 are missing and 4,600 have been injured. 176,890 homes have been damaged, with 33,374 destroyed, leaving many families in need of shelter and support.
Critical infrastructure has also been damaged, including schools, healthcare facilities, water supply systems and community spaces, increasing the humanitarian needs of affected communities.
The national government, local authorities and humanitarian organisations are continuing to respond, providing search and rescue support, healthcare, access to clean water, humanitarian assistance and temporary shelter.
A state of emergency has been declared across 15 departments, with particular attention being given to the areas worst affected by the earthquake.
Caritas response with 14 dioceses and Caritas sister agencies across the world.
Search and rescue efforts have now come to an end in the worst-affected areas, with the focus increasingly shifting towards helping families to recover and rebuild.
In Chocó, more than 60,000 people have been affected, with many losing their homes. Around 800 schools and educational facilities have been damaged or destroyed, while health centres have also been affected. The response is focused on supporting displaced families, particularly children, pregnant women and older people, as communities also face flooding and ongoing conflict between armed groups. Across the country, our local partners along with other humanitarian organisations are working to provide temporary accommodation, clean water and sanitation, protection, and mental health and psychosocial support.
CAFOD and our local partners are working alongside the wider humanitarian response to understand and support communities affected by the earthquake and help ensure people can access the assistance they need.
Your support can help communities facing this devastating and complex emergency receive the practical and compassionate help they need, both now and as they begin the long journey towards recovery.
The Bishops of Colombia issued a statement offering prayers and commending those participating in search, rescue and relief.
The episcopal statement said “no one can face an emergency of this magnitude alone” and called on the country to recognise itself “as one family” and respond to suffering with “generosity, responsibility and solidarity".
The earthquake in Colombia comes just seven weeks after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, its neighbouring country. CAFOD continues to stand alongside our partner, Caritas Venezuela, as they support those affected with essential supplies and in their recovery.
Your gift today will help those affected by earthquakes and other crises with immediate relief and support them as they work to rebuild.
We ask that you keep the people of Colombia, Venezuela and all those caught up in emergencies around the world in your prayers.